The Hunter Koala Preservation Society names dog attack as one of the “big three” threats to the species.

But a responsible dog owner has in this instance spared one koala from grief.

“I was getting ready to go out to a party one [July] morning when I could hear the dogs barking,” Bernadette Carr said.

“I thought it might have been a wallaby at first. We’ve only seen three koalas in the seven years we’ve lived here.”

Mrs Carr was able to pull her young red cattle dog Podge and miniature fox terrier Knackers, away. Like most dogs, she said they weren’t viscous but tended to be playful – particularly young Podge. 

When she returned the koala was “laying there exhausted”.

“I tipped him back onto his paws and he crawled up a nearby tree,” she said.

A phone call to a friend put Mrs Carr in touch with WIRES which in turn referred her to HKPS. In the meantime the koala has changed trees and climbed higher.

“From what I explained to them they weren’t too concerned,” Mrs Carr said.

The next morning both Mrs Carr and her husband Mick had to go to work. But the koala had climbed lower in the tree and they were concerned about it being in the yard with the dogs.

They decided to snare the koala in a canvas property and were able to relocated him over the fence in the rural locality.

Mrs Carr said she couldn’t recommend others try relocation. But she said it might pay for people to keep the HKPS 24 Hour number handy.

“I felt like I should educate myself after this and it wouldn’t hurt others to do the same,” she said.

The koala was last seen happily up another tree.

If you or someone you know finds a koala in distress call the 24-hour Hunter Koala Preservation Society hotline on 0418 628 483.

The society’s rescuers are trained in what to do and will take the koala to veterinary help if needed.

The volunteer organisation exists on good will.

The society also needs to find $500,000 to build a hospital.

Donations can be made via direct deposit.